Japanese Railway Line Closes, Company Keeps Trains Running for Residents’ Convenience
The Konan Railway Owani Line, nestled in Aomori Prefecture, is a beautiful route that offers scenic views as it travels through apple orchards. Stretching 13.9 kilometers (8.6 miles), the route has become affectionately known as the “Apple Orchard Railroad.”
Trains with two cars have been a regular sight here since the line opened in 1952. This creates a picturesque experience for locals and visitors alike.
After more than 70 years in operation, the Konan Railway announced that the line will cease to function by the end of fiscal year 2027. Factors contributing to this decision include surging electricity costs, increasing repair expenses due to a derailment, and setbacks from the coronavirus pandemic.
Additionally, demographic changes, such as declining birth rates and an aging population in the region, have drastically reduced ridership. The soaring numbers from 1974, which saw around 390 million passengers, have plummeted to approximately 27 million for the 2023 fiscal year.
This decline has placed the service in a precarious financial position. The journey itself takes about 35 minutes, linking Chuo Hirosaki Station with Owani Station, located in a well-known onsen town.
Although it would have been more economically viable for the company to shut down the line earlier in 2024, they chose to maintain services for a few additional years to support the local community. Operations are being run at a loss.
Nestled just a short distance from JR Hirosaki Station, Chuo Hirosaki Station offers visitors a glimpse of local charm. It sits about 1.5 kilometers (15 minutes on foot) from the larger station and is close to notable landmarks.
A few minutes away is Nakasan Hirosaki, a well-loved feature in the city. Amidst the journey, there are various intriguing sights.
There’s a quaint retro clock shop adorned with a delightful green-and-red roof and a captivating weather vane. Upon arriving at the station, I was greeted by a charming signboard that displays “中央弘前駅” (“Chuo Hirosaki Station”).
The vibrant green and red apples showcased in art reflect Aomori Prefecture’s reputation for high-quality produce. A large apple on display also captures the essence of the Apple Orchard Railway.
Inside the station, visitors have the option to head towards the platform or take a path leading to the Hirosaki Museum of Contemporary Art. As per station staff, travelers can access the museum without a ticket, which made my visit to the museum all the more inviting.
The waiting area is cozy, featuring an old oil heater, essential for staying warm during the snowy winters. The frequency of trains is roughly one per hour, with two during peak morning hours.
The thoughtful details at this rural stop, like hand-knitted cushions on the benches, provide comfort and create a welcoming atmosphere for commuters. Hirosaki is renowned for its Neputa floats that are showcased during its vibrant summer festival.
The station features “Neputa-e” or Neputa pictures, promoting the local festival and enhancing its appeal. In 2002, Chuo Hirosaki Station was recognized among the “100 Stations of Tohoku,” highlighting its distinctive charm, especially noted for its refreshing summer breezes from the nearby Tsuchibuchi River.
Moreover, its proximity to Hirosaki Park, famous for its cherry blossoms, has made it popular during the sakura season. The closure of this railway line will force cherry blossom enthusiasts to trek an extra 16 minutes to reach Hirosaki Station, a significant change for those accustomed to the convenience this line provided.
The absence of turnstiles feels familiar in this rural setting, but a ticket machine is available for those using the train services. Exiting the station, I found the covered walkway, designed to keep travelers sheltered from the ever-present snow, leading me towards either the platform or the museum.
The passageway creates an element of adventure, accentuated by the giant kokeshi dolls adorning the platform. With a final glance back at the station that has served so many over the decades, I made my way toward the museum.
The snowy landscape surrounding the station adds to its serene beauty, emphasizing the tranquility of this less-traveled region. For those planning to visit, a convenient overnight bus service operates from Tokyo, making access to this hidden gem relatively simple.
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Mis escritos se centran en los diversos aspectos del estilo de vida japonés, desde las ceremonias tradicionales del té y los arreglos florales hasta las tendencias modernas de la moda y la cultura pop. Con mis artículos pretendo compartir mi pasión por Japón y ofrecer a los lectores una visión del rico y diverso mundo de la cultura japonesa.
Creo que la clave para entender el estilo de vida japonés es apreciar el equilibrio entre tradición e innovación. Aunque Japón tiene un rico patrimonio cultural que se remonta a siglos atrás, también es un país que evoluciona constantemente y adopta nuevas ideas y tecnologías.
Tanto si te interesa conocer las últimas tendencias de la moda en Tokio como si quieres explorar el antiguo arte de la caligrafía, mis escritos te llevarán de viaje por las múltiples facetas del estilo de vida japonés. Acompáñame a explorar juntos la belleza y la complejidad de esta fascinante cultura.
